SMILE Pro handles corneal biomechanics differently than SMILE by using a faster laser, finer incisions, and improved alignment tools that may reduce tissue stress and help preserve corneal strength more effectively.
While both SMILE and SMILE Pro are minimally invasive and flapless, SMILE Pro’s innovations further reduce biomechanical disruption, leading to improved safety and visual outcomes.
If you’re considering vision correction and want to understand how the latest technology impacts your corneal health, this blog will clarify how SMILE Pro advances the biomechanical preservation that made SMILE popular in the first place.
Understanding Corneal Biomechanics in Vision Correction
Corneal biomechanics refers to the cornea’s ability to maintain its shape and structural integrity under pressure. This is crucial for long-term vision quality and for preventing complications like corneal ectasia (bulging or thinning of the cornea). Any vision correction surgery that removes tissue or alters the cornea can affect these biomechanical properties.
SMILE and Corneal Biomechanics: The Foundation
How SMILE Preserves Corneal Strength?
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) uses a femtosecond laser to create and remove a small disc of tissue (lenticule) through a tiny incision, reshaping the cornea to correct vision.
Unlike LASIK, SMILE does not involve creating a large corneal flap, so more of the anterior corneal stroma—the part most responsible for structural strength—remains intact. This helps preserve biomechanical stability and may lower the risk of corneal weakening compared to flap-based procedures like LASIK.
What Research Shows About SMILE’s Biomechanical Impact?
- Studies consistently show that SMILE causes less reduction in corneal stiffness and stress resistance than LASIK.
- Compared to PRK, SMILE’s biomechanical impact is similar, and both generally preserve corneal strength better than LASIK. Some studies suggest SMILE may have a slight advantage, but the difference is small.
- SMILE’s micro-incision (2–4 mm) minimises disruption to corneal nerves and tissue, supporting better postoperative stability and less dry eye.
SMILE Pro: Technological Advances for Even Better Biomechanical Outcomes
Faster Laser, Less Tissue Stress
SMILE Pro uses the ZEISS VisuMax 800 femtosecond laser, which completes laser scanning in under 10 seconds per eye, over 50% faster than traditional SMILE. This rapid treatment reduces the time the eye is exposed to the laser and external factors, leading to:
- Less potential for corneal dehydration and exposure-related tissue stress
- Lower risk of inflammation
- Shorter recovery time
By minimising the duration of mechanical and environmental stress, SMILE Pro helps preserve the biomechanical integrity of the cornea even further.
Enhanced Precision and Smaller Incision
SMILE Pro’s advanced laser and software allow for:
- Finer, more precise lenticule creation
- Smaller, more accurate incisions
- Reduced collateral tissue disruption
This improves lenticule consistency, which may contribute to better refractive precision and shape preservation.
AI-Driven Centration and Cyclotorsion Control
SMILE Pro incorporates AI-guided features like CentraLign and OcuLign, which:
- Automatically centre the treatment on the corneal vertex
- Adjust for natural eye rotation (cyclotorsion)
- Minimise the risk of decentration, which can lead to higher-order aberrations and biomechanical instability
With more precise alignment, the surgery is less likely to induce irregular stress on the cornea, further protecting biomechanical stability.
Flapless Innovation and Corneal Integrity
Like SMILE, SMILE Pro is a flapless procedure. But with its faster, more precise laser and smaller incision, SMILE Pro:
- Preserves the anterior stroma and Bowman’s layer
- Minimises nerve damage and tissue trauma
- Reduces the risk of complications linked to large incisions or flaps
This helps preserve the cornea’s natural curvature and biomechanical integrity, supporting stable long-term vision.
Comparing Biomechanical Outcomes: SMILE Pro vs. SMILE
What Clinical Studies and Experience Reveal?
- Both SMILE and SMILE Pro show less reduction in corneal stiffness than LASIK, and are comparable or slightly superior to PRK for biomechanical preservation.
- SMILE Pro’s faster laser and higher precision may reduce tissue handling time, which could contribute to marginal improvements in biomechanical outcomes for select patients, although both procedures are already highly safe.
- SMILE Pro offers greater patient satisfaction and comfort due to quicker recovery and reduced discomfort, all while maintaining corneal strength.
Key Differences Summarised
- Laser Speed: SMILE Pro is significantly faster than earlier SMILE systems, which may reduce laser exposure time and procedure duration.
- Precision: SMILE Pro’s AI and digital guidance allow for more accurate incisions and lenticule removal.
- Incision Size: Both are small, but SMILE Pro’s can be even smaller and more consistent.
- Biomechanical Preservation: Both preserve corneal structure well. SMILE Pro’s refinements may support improved precision and efficiency, potentially benefiting select cases.
Why Biomechanical Preservation Matters for Your Vision?
Maintaining corneal biomechanics is crucial for:
- Reducing the risk of corneal ectasia and long-term complications
- Ensuring stable, long-lasting vision correction
- Supporting better healing and less postoperative discomfort
For patients with thin corneas, high prescriptions, or a family history of corneal disease, choosing a procedure that maximises biomechanical preservation is especially important.
Practical Takeaways: Who Should Consider SMILE Pro?
- Patients with thin corneas
- Those looking for a modern procedure with advanced safety and precision features
- People with higher prescriptions
- Anyone wanting a fast recovery and minimal disruption to corneal strength
SMILE Pro’s faster laser, refined incision technique, and alignment tools may benefit patients who prioritise surgical precision and preserving corneal structure.
Choosing the Best for Your Corneal Health
SMILE Pro advances the biomechanical preservation pioneered by SMILE, thanks to faster laser speeds, AI-driven precision, and a smaller incision that maintains the cornea’s natural strength.
If you’re looking for vision correction that prioritises both safety and long-term stability, SMILE Pro is a leading-edge option.
Always consult with a refractive surgeon who can assess your unique eye health and help you choose the procedure that best protects your vision for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does SMILE Pro completely eliminate biomechanical risks?
No surgery is risk-free, but SMILE Pro’s design and technology help reduce biomechanical disruption more effectively than earlier techniques.
Is the difference in biomechanics between SMILE and SMILE Pro significant?
Both preserve corneal strength well. SMILE Pro’s faster laser and improved precision may offer biomechanical advantages, especially in higher prescriptions or challenging cases.
How does SMILE Pro compare to LASIK for biomechanics?
Both SMILE and SMILE Pro preserve corneal strength better than LASIK, which involves creating a large flap and disrupting more tissue.
Will I notice a difference in how my eyes feel after SMILE Pro vs. SMILE?
Most patients report faster comfort and quicker recovery with SMILE Pro, but both procedures are comfortable and safe for most people.
